A systematic review of the effectiveness of contrast baths.
METHODS
Systematic review.


BACKGROUND
Contrast baths are used as an intervention in hand therapy, yet it is unclear which patients, if any, benefit from this intervention.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the nature and quality of the evidence regarding the use of contrast baths using a systematic review process.


METHODS
Of a total of 28 clinical research articles on contrast baths, from 1938 forward, ten met the inclusion criteria set by the authors.


RESULTS
These studies addressed the physiological changes of hot and cold on blood flow, intramuscular temperature, subcutaneous temperature, and the influence of room temperature and age. The subjects included normal/healthy volunteers and patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or foot/ankle injuries. The diversity of conditions, protocols, and outcomes limited the ability to make definitive conclusions on efficacy.


CONCLUSIONS
The contrast bath procedure may increase superficial blood flow and skin temperature, though the evidence on the impact on edema is conflicting. No relationship between physiologic effects and functional outcomes has been established.


METHODS
2A.
Breger Stanton
Donna E
DE
Department of Occupational Therapy, Samuel Merritt College, Oakland, California 94609, USA. dbreger@samuelmerritt.edu
Lazaro
Rolando
R
Macdermid
Joy C
JC
D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D001494:Baths; D003080:Cold Temperature; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000503:physiopathology; D004487:Edema / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005528:Foot / Q000098:blood supply / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D012881:Skin Temperature; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy